Scheduled Course Offerings
Spring 2009
Course Description
This
course provides an in-depth study of Web site interactivity,
including the psychology of user interaction and methods
for designing and developing effective navigational interfaces.
Students will also learn the fundamentals of Web animation
and interactivity with Macromedia Flash. Combining their
previous knowledge of Web site design and digital imaging
with the concepts in this class, students will create portfolio-quality
interactive web content.
To do well in this class you should plan to dedicate between 12-14 hours per week to class activities, homework, and assignments (This assumes a 16-week Fall or Spring semester. Summer semesters are of a shorter duration, which increases the weekly workload.)
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be
able to
- identify different types of navigation and explain how navigation
categories emerge from information architecture.
- design interfaces that provide an accurate conceptual model
of the organization of content throughout the site.
- describe the action cycle of user interaction and explain
what techniques minimize the gulfs of evaluation and execution.
- create vector and raster interface controls that imply usage
through affordances and constraints.
- arrange interface elements according to Gestalt principles
to establish relationships and differentiation.
- critique Web site interfaces for usability and accessibility.
- analyze the effectiveness of a sign or symbol according to
semiotic principles
- animate object position and appearance over time.
- write simple Actionscripts to implement Flash interactivity.
- edit simple Javascripts to implement HTML interactivity.
- write
a media production plan.
Course Requirements
Students must have their textbook(s) and software the first day of class. If you anticipate any shipment delays from a particuluar retailer, you should find an alternate source that has the product in stock and ships overnight.
Requisite Skills
This is an entry-level course. No previous knowledge of HTML is required. Students should have strong skills in computer and internet use, however. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- opening, saving, and managing files and directories
- installing software, plug-ins, and fonts
- troubleshooting operating system errors
- navigating the Web
- researching the Web
- sending and receiving e-mail with attachments
Take this quiz to see if you are ready for an online course.
Textbooks
- Norman, D. (2002). The Design of Everyday Things, 1st Edition. Basic Books. ISBN 0465067107
- Grover, C. & Moore, E. (2007). Flash CS3: The Missing Manual. Pogue Press. ISBN-13: 978-0596510442
Software
System and Connectivity Requirements
Both Windows and Macintosh platforms are acceptable.
Students can successfully complete the course with dial-up internet connectivity. However, if students wish to participate in optional weekly live presentations, they should have access to DSL connectivity or faster. If you don't have this at home, accessing these demonstrations at a public or school library might be a viable option.
Assignments
An online class entails 4 required asynchronous student activities:
- Completing textbook reading assignments
- Reading text-based lectures
- Completing tutorials, quizzes, assignments, and project
- Participating on the class discussion board
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